South Essex news

Parking row shoots down Trafford flats

THE £1billion Basildon masterplan has been branded a shambles after ambitious plans to convert former offices into 348 flats were rejected.

Basildon Council planners vetoed plans by property firm Criterion Capital to convert Trafford House, in Cherrydown East, due to there being no parking.

The decision is a major blow to Basildon’s overall redevelopment as plans to convert the deteriorating block, vacant since Ford left in 2010, were hailed as a key part of the scheme.

Criterion argued people buying the flats would not own cars because it is so close to the bus and train networks.

A council report said: “Although the site is adjacent to the town centre and train and bus stations, occupiers of the flats are still likely to want to own cars due to limited options provided by existing public transport and limited availability of a good range of retail, entertainment and leisure facilities within walking distance.

“Occupants are therefore likely to want to own cars and will put pressure on parking in and around the town centre.”

Basildon Labour group deputy leader Nigel Smith said the masterplan was fast becoming a “shambles” full of unwanted changes, such as the new cinema, moving the market to St Martin’s Square to allow a new campus for South Essex College in its place.

He said if there was a parking shortage: “Then why do we have a derelict car park off Roundacre and Laindon Link that has been unused for more than two years.

“During that time it has become an eyesore.

“Why has it not been developed with homes in the past few years, but used and maintained as a car park until building started?”

He said there were a number of options with it being used as parking for Trafford House, or instead the college moving into Trafford House and the former car park being used for an alternative housing development.

Tory deputy leader of the council Kevin Blake said: “The council is willing to work with anyone to get empty buildings developed. I do not want to see any empty buildings in the masterplan area when they could be put to use to help boost a nighttime economy.”

He supported officers going against Government policy which says flats near train stations do not need parking.

He added: “That policy only works where the public transport is up to scratch and it simply isn’t yet.

“Although because of the policy, we could struggle if they appealed this decision.”

Kerry Smith, Basildon’s Ukip group leader, added: “The developer should negotiate buying part of the bus garage to develop a multi-storey car park for residents.

“If not, they should look to invest in the building to attract the sort of young techies that are in Old Street, London – it is a good office location, but would need investment.”

Criterion offered to go into an agreement with the council saying new occupants would not to apply for local parking permits, but this was turned down.

The Echo contacted Criterion but got no response.

Comments (15)

The developers of the Morello Quarter in Cherrydown seem to have managed to sort out the parking question without actually having any visible. Can't the redevelopment of the Trafford House site follow suit ?

The developers of the Morello Quarter in Cherrydown seem to have managed to sort out the parking question without actually having any visible. Can't the redevelopment of the Trafford House site follow suit ?Howard Cháse

He said if there was a parking shortage: “Then why do we have a derelict car park off Roundacre and Laindon Link that has been unused for more than two years. ....................
...This is the car park that the "Travellers " occupied recently. Even when it was open, it was hardly used by anyone because it is too remote from the shops and the station, and was rife with vandalism to cars. It would be ideal as a development site for housing. Instead of building barriers to keep out the caravans, put some quality houses and flats on it, complete with parking spaces, like the ones built in Gloucester Park.

He said if there was a parking shortage: “Then why do we have a derelict car park off Roundacre and Laindon Link that has been unused for more than two years. ....................
...This is the car park that the "Travellers " occupied recently. Even when it was open, it was hardly used by anyone because it is too remote from the shops and the station, and was rife with vandalism to cars. It would be ideal as a development site for housing. Instead of building barriers to keep out the caravans, put some quality houses and flats on it, complete with parking spaces, like the ones built in Gloucester Park.bazza 1

bazza 1 wrote:
He said if there was a parking shortage: “Then why do we have a derelict car park off Roundacre and Laindon Link that has been unused for more than two years. ....................

...This is the car park that the &quot;Travellers " occupied recently. Even when it was open, it was hardly used by anyone because it is too remote from the shops and the station, and was rife with vandalism to cars. It would be ideal as a development site for housing. Instead of building barriers to keep out the caravans, put some quality houses and flats on it, complete with parking spaces, like the ones built in Gloucester Park.

Had it from a Council Representative at one of their many presentations regarding the Town Plan that that particular car park was for the use of Council Employees only but because they didn’t like walking 'all that way' to the Basildon Centre they more or less abandoned it.

It was a 'strange coincidence' that the old ticket barriers were removed and bollards and gates strategically placed across the entrance/exit a week before the multi million pound operation to force the occupants of Dale Farm a few yards off the site into the road running by it...

In one of this week's free paoers there's an advert asking if any lsnd is available for a traveller's permanent sute. I am tempted to give them the telephinenumber of the quango that owns the land there....

Of course if the Council had any sense they would hive that area off to housing developers and kill several birds with one stone inasmuch as it would be good use of a brownfield site that has sat empty for several years thereby reducing the numberfof homes they keep telling us they must build, lessening the strain on greenbelt/open spaces and preventing any further illegal occupation by Travellers.

Unfortunately sense is one of many things the Council (however they are they are made up) seems to lack in spades

[quote][p][bold]bazza 1[/bold] wrote:
He said if there was a parking shortage: “Then why do we have a derelict car park off Roundacre and Laindon Link that has been unused for more than two years. ....................
...This is the car park that the "Travellers " occupied recently. Even when it was open, it was hardly used by anyone because it is too remote from the shops and the station, and was rife with vandalism to cars. It would be ideal as a development site for housing. Instead of building barriers to keep out the caravans, put some quality houses and flats on it, complete with parking spaces, like the ones built in Gloucester Park.[/p][/quote]Had it from a Council Representative at one of their many presentations regarding the Town Plan that that particular car park was for the use of Council Employees only but because they didn’t like walking 'all that way' to the Basildon Centre they more or less abandoned it.
It was a 'strange coincidence' that the old ticket barriers were removed and bollards and gates strategically placed across the entrance/exit a week before the multi million pound operation to force the occupants of Dale Farm a few yards off the site into the road running by it...
In one of this week's free paoers there's an advert asking if any lsnd is available for a traveller's permanent sute. I am tempted to give them the telephinenumber of the quango that owns the land there....
Of course if the Council had any sense they would hive that area off to housing developers and kill several birds with one stone inasmuch as it would be good use of a brownfield site that has sat empty for several years thereby reducing the numberfof homes they keep telling us they must build, lessening the strain on greenbelt/open spaces and preventing any further illegal occupation by Travellers.
Unfortunately sense is one of many things the Council (however they are they are made up) seems to lack in spadesHoward Cháse

Town centre what Town Centre? It is becoming just a housing estate. I, like most people I know, do not shop there anymore as not worth bothering with. Plenty of pounds shops, payday loans & gambling place & naff all else. No where to pick up or drop down in fear of a ticket, (had two, just for picking up my wife).
Basildon Council's Master Plan - destroy the heart of Basildon. I will wager the majority of these fat cat councillors do not live in or care about our beloved Basildon.

Town centre what Town Centre? It is becoming just a housing estate. I, like most people I know, do not shop there anymore as not worth bothering with. Plenty of pounds shops, payday loans & gambling place & naff all else. No where to pick up or drop down in fear of a ticket, (had two, just for picking up my wife).
Basildon Council's Master Plan - destroy the heart of Basildon. I will wager the majority of these fat cat councillors do not live in or care about our beloved Basildon.GeeUpFred

Yet another problem with the regeneration of Basildon town centre. What a total surprise.

Exactly who is in charge of the regeneration project? Clearly a load of numpties. Sack them all and start again.

No one, local people, shop keepers and traders, shoppers are being consulted or served well by this regeneration project.

Which part of Basildon Town Centre is dying do they not understand?

In less than 20 years the town centre has gone from a thriving, buzzing shopping venue to Pound shop central and the council (no matter what colour rosette they wear) doesn't give a fig.

Yet another problem with the regeneration of Basildon town centre. What a total surprise.
Exactly who is in charge of the regeneration project? Clearly a load of numpties. Sack them all and start again.
No one, local people, shop keepers and traders, shoppers are being consulted or served well by this regeneration project.
Which part of Basildon Town Centre is dying do they not understand?
In less than 20 years the town centre has gone from a thriving, buzzing shopping venue to Pound shop central and the council (no matter what colour rosette they wear) doesn't give a fig.cropped hero

cropped hero wrote:
Yet another problem with the regeneration of Basildon town centre. What a total surprise.

Exactly who is in charge of the regeneration project? Clearly a load of numpties. Sack them all and start again.

No one, local people, shop keepers and traders, shoppers are being consulted or served well by this regeneration project.

Which part of Basildon Town Centre is dying do they not understand?

In less than 20 years the town centre has gone from a thriving, buzzing shopping venue to Pound shop central and the council (no matter what colour rosette they wear) doesn't give a fig.

the same could be said for any council . . . . including Southends !!

[quote][p][bold]cropped hero[/bold] wrote:
Yet another problem with the regeneration of Basildon town centre. What a total surprise.
Exactly who is in charge of the regeneration project? Clearly a load of numpties. Sack them all and start again.
No one, local people, shop keepers and traders, shoppers are being consulted or served well by this regeneration project.
Which part of Basildon Town Centre is dying do they not understand?
In less than 20 years the town centre has gone from a thriving, buzzing shopping venue to Pound shop central and the council (no matter what colour rosette they wear) doesn't give a fig.[/p][/quote]the same could be said for any council . . . . including Southends !!Eastwoodian

cropped hero wrote:
Yet another problem with the regeneration of Basildon town centre. What a total surprise.

Exactly who is in charge of the regeneration project? Clearly a load of numpties. Sack them all and start again.

No one, local people, shop keepers and traders, shoppers are being consulted or served well by this regeneration project.

Which part of Basildon Town Centre is dying do they not understand?

In less than 20 years the town centre has gone from a thriving, buzzing shopping venue to Pound shop central and the council (no matter what colour rosette they wear) doesn't give a fig.

the same could be said for any council . . . . including Southends !!

Absolutely correct. The market used to be so busy it was a job to just walk through it on market day. Then they had a vision. Build some permanent log cabins. Charge a fortune in rent to the stall holder. Now it is a shambles, and underused. The individuals entrusted with the development of the Town are idiots and could not run a **** up in a Brewery.

[quote][p][bold]Eastwoodian[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]cropped hero[/bold] wrote:
Yet another problem with the regeneration of Basildon town centre. What a total surprise.
Exactly who is in charge of the regeneration project? Clearly a load of numpties. Sack them all and start again.
No one, local people, shop keepers and traders, shoppers are being consulted or served well by this regeneration project.
Which part of Basildon Town Centre is dying do they not understand?
In less than 20 years the town centre has gone from a thriving, buzzing shopping venue to Pound shop central and the council (no matter what colour rosette they wear) doesn't give a fig.[/p][/quote]the same could be said for any council . . . . including Southends !![/p][/quote]Absolutely correct. The market used to be so busy it was a job to just walk through it on market day. Then they had a vision. Build some permanent log cabins. Charge a fortune in rent to the stall holder. Now it is a shambles, and underused. The individuals entrusted with the development of the Town are idiots and could not run a **** up in a Brewery.bazza 1

GeeUpFred wrote:
Town centre what Town Centre? It is becoming just a housing estate. I, like most people I know, do not shop there anymore as not worth bothering with. Plenty of pounds shops, payday loans &amp; gambling place &amp; naff all else. No where to pick up or drop down in fear of a ticket, (had two, just for picking up my wife).
Basildon Council's Master Plan - destroy the heart of Basildon. I will wager the majority of these fat cat councillors do not live in or care about our beloved Basildon.

You are right. The only short stay, FREE car park, near the station, was made a park and pay a couple of years back, and now is empty for most of the time, because it serves no useful purpose. If you are going to town to shop, you will park in the long stay car parks in the town centre because they are more convenient. The small car park near the station was mainly used by people to pop in to pay a bill or go to the bank, using it for under half an hour. It served a purpose in that way. Now it is virtually unused during the day.

[quote][p][bold]GeeUpFred[/bold] wrote:
Town centre what Town Centre? It is becoming just a housing estate. I, like most people I know, do not shop there anymore as not worth bothering with. Plenty of pounds shops, payday loans & gambling place & naff all else. No where to pick up or drop down in fear of a ticket, (had two, just for picking up my wife).
Basildon Council's Master Plan - destroy the heart of Basildon. I will wager the majority of these fat cat councillors do not live in or care about our beloved Basildon.[/p][/quote]You are right. The only short stay, FREE car park, near the station, was made a park and pay a couple of years back, and now is empty for most of the time, because it serves no useful purpose. If you are going to town to shop, you will park in the long stay car parks in the town centre because they are more convenient. The small car park near the station was mainly used by people to pop in to pay a bill or go to the bank, using it for under half an hour. It served a purpose in that way. Now it is virtually unused during the day.bazza 1

A council report said: “Although the site is adjacent to the town centre and train and bus stations, occupiers of the flats are still likely to want to own cars due to limited options provided by existing public transport and limited availability of a good range of retail, entertainment and leisure facilities within walking distance.

“Occupants are therefore likely to want to own cars and will put pressure on parking in and around the town centre.”

Says it all really.

A council report said: “Although the site is adjacent to the town centre and train and bus stations, occupiers of the flats are still likely to want to own cars due to limited options provided by existing public transport and limited availability of a good range of retail, entertainment and leisure facilities within walking distance.
“Occupants are therefore likely to want to own cars and will put pressure on parking in and around the town centre.”
Says it all really.BasildonDond

thecoat wrote:
348 flats with no parking? What planet are these goon developers on!

It is not that there is no parking. There are over 100 spaces around the building, just not enough for one or more per flat.

However, I worked there for four years, and we had an agreement to use the Council owned car park on Cherrydown Way - surely soemthing similar could be put in place?

[quote][p][bold]thecoat[/bold] wrote:
348 flats with no parking? What planet are these goon developers on![/p][/quote]It is not that there is no parking. There are over 100 spaces around the building, just not enough for one or more per flat.
However, I worked there for four years, and we had an agreement to use the Council owned car park on Cherrydown Way - surely soemthing similar could be put in place?keith_l

bazza 1 wrote:
He said if there was a parking shortage: “Then why do we have a derelict car park off Roundacre and Laindon Link that has been unused for more than two years. ....................

...This is the car park that the &quot;Travellers " occupied recently. Even when it was open, it was hardly used by anyone because it is too remote from the shops and the station, and was rife with vandalism to cars. It would be ideal as a development site for housing. Instead of building barriers to keep out the caravans, put some quality houses and flats on it, complete with parking spaces, like the ones built in Gloucester Park.

Make it a free range vegetable plot, get the local unemployed gardening

[quote][p][bold]bazza 1[/bold] wrote:
He said if there was a parking shortage: “Then why do we have a derelict car park off Roundacre and Laindon Link that has been unused for more than two years. ....................
...This is the car park that the "Travellers " occupied recently. Even when it was open, it was hardly used by anyone because it is too remote from the shops and the station, and was rife with vandalism to cars. It would be ideal as a development site for housing. Instead of building barriers to keep out the caravans, put some quality houses and flats on it, complete with parking spaces, like the ones built in Gloucester Park.[/p][/quote]Make it a free range vegetable plot, get the local unemployed gardeningNow listen for I have something to say